(Reuters) – Emissions from power plants have fallen sharply this year in the 10 U.S. states participating in the “Good Neighbor” plan, but the program has not yet gone ahead in 12 other states, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Thursday.
The data showed a 15% decrease in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and a 26% drop in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions in 2023 so far compared with 2022.
Emissions from power plants contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, also known as smog which can cause respiratory and heart issues.
“This early data shows that the Good Neighbor Plan is a workable and effective rule,” said Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.
The plan was finalized in March for 22 states, from New York to Texas and Nevada, to reduce pollution that significantly contributes to problems across state lines, however EPA said it was so far only being implemented in 10 states.
“The EPA is not currently implementing the Good Neighbor Plan for power plants in the remaining 12 states pursuant to temporary court orders,” the agency said.
Utility companies and lawmakers in Republican-controlled states had pushed hard against curbs on coal pollution, including the EPA’s NOx-reduction regulations.
(Reporting by Rahul Paswan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonali Paul)
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